Care Guide | Empire Linens

Your Empire Linens bedding is crafted from premium cotton to provide you with years of luxurious comfort. With proper care, your sheets and pillows will maintain their softness, color, and quality wash after wash. Follow these expert guidelines to protect your investment.

Before First Use

Prepare your new linens for optimal performance:

Wash before first use to remove any manufacturing residue
Wash dark colors separately for the first 2-3 washes
Use cold or lukewarm water for the initial wash
Skip fabric softener on the first wash to allow fibers to fully bloom

Washing Instructions

Follow these steps for regular washing:

Machine wash in cold or warm water (max 40°C/104°F)
Use a gentle or delicate cycle to protect the fibers
Choose a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals
Wash sheets separately or with similar colors and fabrics
Avoid overloading the washing machine - linens need room to move
Close any zippers or fasteners to prevent snagging

Drying Guidelines

Proper drying maintains the luxurious feel:

Tumble dry on low to medium heat setting
Remove promptly from dryer to minimize wrinkles
Line drying is ideal for preserving fiber integrity
If line drying, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
Never over-dry - slightly damp linens are easier to iron

Ironing & Storage

For that crisp, hotel-quality finish:

Iron while slightly damp for best results
Use medium to high heat setting suitable for cotton
Iron on the reverse side to maintain the sateen sheen
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Fold neatly or roll to prevent permanent creasing
Allow linens to breathe - avoid plastic storage bags

✓ DO

Wash regularly to maintain freshness (weekly recommended)
Rotate between multiple sets to extend lifespan
Use dryer balls to reduce drying time and wrinkles
Treat stains promptly with gentle stain removers
Read care labels on each product
Use mattress protectors to keep sheets cleaner longer

✗ DON'T

Use bleach or harsh chemicals that damage cotton fibers
Wash with rough fabrics like towels or denim
Use high heat settings which can weaken fibers
Overload the washing machine
Use fabric softener every wash (once monthly is sufficient)
Dry clean unless absolutely necessary

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about caring for your Empire Linens

Will my sheets shrink after washing? +

Our sheets are pre-shrunk during manufacturing, so minimal shrinkage (1-3%) may occur after the first few washes. This is normal for 100% cotton products. Following our care instructions, especially using cold/warm water and low heat drying, will minimize any shrinkage.

How often should I wash my sheets? +

We recommend washing your sheets once a week for optimal hygiene and freshness. If you shower before bed or use a mattress protector, you may extend this to every 10-14 days. Pillowcases should be washed weekly as they come in contact with your face and hair.

Can I use fabric softener on my sateen sheets? +

While occasional use of fabric softener is fine, we don't recommend using it every wash. Fabric softener can build up on cotton fibers and reduce absorbency over time. If you want extra softness, try using white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead - it's a natural fabric softener that won't leave residue.

How do I remove stubborn stains? +

For most stains, treat immediately by blotting (not rubbing) with cold water. Apply a gentle stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then wash as normal. For tough stains, soak in cold water with oxygen-based bleach before washing. Never use chlorine bleach on colored linens.

Will the color fade over time? +

Our linens are made with colorfast dyes designed to retain their color. Some slight fading is natural over many years, but following our care instructions - especially washing in cold water and avoiding direct sunlight when drying - will keep your linens looking vibrant for years to come.

What's the best way to store extra sheet sets? +

Store clean, completely dry sheets in a cool, dry place. We recommend using cotton storage bags or breathable fabric containers rather than plastic. A helpful tip: store each sheet set inside one of its own pillowcases to keep everything together and organized. Avoid storing in damp areas like basements or attics with temperature fluctuations.